Barksdale raises more than $100K for charity

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alyssa C. Wallace
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale's 2010 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign proved successful as base personnel donated enough funds to reach 100 percent of the base's goal.

From March 29 to May 7, Team Barksdale raised more than $100,220 - almost $25,000 more than collected in 2009.

"The success of this year's campaign is a testament to the outstanding team of volunteers we had," said Capt. Dennis Widner, 2d Logistics Readiness Squadron material management flight commander and AFAF installation project manager. "Every member of the team took their responsibilities to heart and certainly relayed the fact that the AFAF is truly Airmen taking care of Airmen."

According to the campaign's Web site, the AFAF was established as an annual effort to raise funds for the four charitable affiliates that provide support to the Air Force family - the Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Villages Indigent Widows' Fund, Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund and General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. The organizations provide assistance to the members of the Air Force family in the form of emergency aid, financial assistance for educational needs or a secure retirement home for widows or widowers of Air Force members in need of financial assistance.

Barksdale reached 85 percent of its goal in 2009 -- raising more than $76,000 in support of the AFAF. In turn, Barksdale received more than $237,000 in 2009 through 373 interest-free grants and loans in. The captain says he is more than happy to replenish those funds.

"I'm very excited that we managed to reach our goal while in a strained fiscal time," he said. "Even though the AFAF donations go for good causes, it can be difficult to motivate personnel to donate when they're concerned about their own welfare. The fact that Barksdale came together to meet this year's goal is quite impressive."

Those who are in need of assistance may call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 456-8400.